Author(s): Phyllis Galembo

Photography

Maske is a Haitian kreyol word, meaning to wear a mask the wearing of masks being the subject of Galembos dark and thrilling photographs, showing masquerade performers in Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Zambia and Haiti. Photographs of carnival characters, mostly rooted in African religion and spirituality, are presented in chapters organised by tribal or carnival tradition each introduced by a short text by Galembo about the characters and costumes portrayed. The art of masquerade is introduced by art historian Chika Okeke-Agulu, (himself a participant in masquerade events during his childhood in Nigeria). Designed as an object to treasure, the book is a celebration of African art, and a work of vivid artistic imagination.